Professor Robert Booy, Infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at the University of Sydney, about the new campaign launched to raise awareness of shingles.

 

Professor Booy says shingles can be extremely painful and an awareness campaign like this is long overdue given the potential impact of shingles.

 

“Too many Australians are still unaware of the early signs and symptoms related to herpes zoster,” said Professor Booy. 

 

“Because the virus that causes shingles comes from within the body, public health measures like social distancing or mask wearing don’t impact rates of shingles.

 

However, since the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles are the same, if a person who has never had or isn’t protected against chickenpox, comes into direct contact with the blisters of someone with shingles, they may get chickenpox.

 

“Given our immune systems decline as we get older, I encourage all adults from around the age of 50 years to be talking to their doctor about shingles.”

 

For more information about shingles, speak to your healthcare professional and visit knowshingles.com.au

Professor Robert Booy, Infectious disease specialist and epidemiologist at the University of Sydney, about the new campaign launched to raise awareness of shingles.
&nbsp;
Professor Booy says shingles can be extremely painful and an awareness campaign like this is long overdue given the potential impact of shingles.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Too many Australians are still unaware of the early signs and symptoms related to herpes zoster,&rdquo; said Professor Booy.&nbsp;
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Because the virus that causes shingles comes from within the body, public health measures like social distancing or mask wearing don&rsquo;t impact rates of shingles.
&nbsp;
However, since the virus that causes chickenpox and shingles are the same, if a person who has never had or isn&rsquo;t protected against chickenpox, comes into direct contact with the blisters of someone with shingles, they may get chickenpox.
&nbsp;
&ldquo;Given our immune systems decline as we get older, I encourage all adults from around the age of 50 years to be talking to their doctor about shingles.&rdquo;
&nbsp;
For more information about shingles, speak to your healthcare professional and visit&nbsp;<a href="http://www.knowshingles.com.au/" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=http://www.knowshingles.com.au/&amp;source=gmail&amp;ust=1629916136933000&amp;usg=AFQjCNGwblLXMw064vfyHzeKMreIpOwZWQ">knowshingles.com.au</a>

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Australia Overnight with Mike Jeffreys, 12am – 4am weekdays.
Wake Up Australia, 4am - 9:30am weekdays.

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